OpenAirDocs.org

NTSB investigations

507 cases where the phase of flight was Emergency descent.

Cases, newest first

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
    crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
    current_codes AS (
      SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e.\"tier1Number\" AS INTEGER) AS code,
        row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e.\"isDefiningEvent\", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
      FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
      WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e.\"tier1Number\" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
        AND (e.\"isDefiningEvent\" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT \"mKey\" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE \"isPre1982\"))
    ),
    phases AS (
      SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
      FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
      UNION ALL
      SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\", w.main
      FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\"
      WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
    ),
    case_phases AS (
      SELECT p.*, c.\"eventDate\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
      FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = p.case_mkey
      LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
      WHERE c.\"eventDate\" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
    )
  SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
  WHERE c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 600)
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB ATL03LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPreceptor Ultra pup · Smithville, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning of fuel resulted in fuel starvation, the total loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing.Dec 22, 2002 · N5178D · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Kirbyville, TXThe pilot's physical impairment due to a previous head injury which resulted in his becoming disoriented. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.Sep 5, 2002 · N41CW · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA226Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Manvel, TXThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Aug 4, 2002 · N10935 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA218Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Mc Allen, TXThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Jul 29, 2002 · N4896N · Substantial damageNTSB LAX02LA213Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Chatsworth, CAThe pilot's inadequate flare resulting in rotor blade contact with the ground. Contributing factors were the high altitude and the airframe vibration for an undetermined reason.Jul 2, 2002 · N4072T · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02LA136Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Clearwater, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jun 28, 2002 · N2935Q · Substantial damageNTSB SEA02LA115Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSeattle Aerotech Helipower 2500 · Arlington, WAAircraft control not maintained during a run-on landing. A vibration of unknown origin was a factor in the accident.Jun 27, 2002 · N13RM · DestroyedNTSB ATL02LA124Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Greenville, NCThe pilot's improper preflight planning and fuel management resulting in fuel exhaustion, and the total loss of engine power. The airplane nosed over during a forced landing to a cotton field.Jun 16, 2002 · N68437 · Substantial damageNTSB IAD02LA036Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26A · Strausburg, VAThe pilot's inadequate evaluation of weather resulted in a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an impact with trees.Mar 10, 2002 · N3878A · Substantial damageNTSB NYC02LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet L-23 · Sterling, MAThe student pilots inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in an off-field landing, and the CFI's improper decision to allow the student to fly solo. Factors related to the accident were the gusting wind conditions, and the students lack of…Jan 1, 2002 · N117BB · Substantial damageNTSB CHI01LA293Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Pontiac, MIthe checklist not compiled with by the operator and not verified by the operator’s pilot and the operator's flight instructor. An additional cause was the improper autorotation by the pilot in command. The out of calibration engine idle speed was a…Aug 26, 2001 · N9390F · Substantial damageNTSB IAD01LA080Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerostar International RXS-8 · Flemington, NJpilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the downdrafts.Jul 16, 2001 · N7106F · No damageNTSB CHI01FA128Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Farmington, MOThe fracture of the crankshaft due to fatigue, the propeller separating from the airplane while in-flight, which resulted in the propeller striking the empennage structure and flight controls, yielding the airplane uncontrollable. Contributing factors to the…Apr 24, 2001 · N5060V · Substantial damageNTSB IAD01LA033Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Peckville, PAloss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Feb 6, 2001 · N1914Y · Substantial damageNTSB ATL01LA026Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 F · Greenwood, MSAn in-flight fire for undetermined reasons. Finding: A factor is the maintenance modification was performed by company personnel prior to the flight.Jan 20, 2001 · N7882U · DestroyedNTSB LAX01LA038Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-36 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's misjudged altitude approaching the airstrip and his failure to maintain airspeed resulted in the glider's collision with trees.Nov 11, 2000 · N3621R · Substantial damageNTSB IAD01LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Philadelphia, PAA hole in the #4 piston for undetermined reasons which resulted in engine oil starvation and engine stoppage.Oct 11, 2000 · N9394L · Substantial damageNTSB SEA01LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Monroe, WAOil Pump drive gear shaft separated in shear. A collision with a tree stump during the landing roll was a factor.Oct 6, 2000 · N52202 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX00LA280Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5 · King City, CAThe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather which resulted in loss of visual reference and flight into power transmission wires and terrain.Jul 28, 2000 · N7885S · Substantial damageNTSB ATL00FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Oxford, MSThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout.Jun 8, 2000 · N3711J · Substantial damageNTSB DEN00FA028Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Peyton, COan uncontrolled touchdown following entry into a "out-of-ground effect" hover. Factors were loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in kind of aircraft and total experience in type of aircraft.Dec 15, 1999 · N5190C · Substantial damageNTSB MIA99FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Tampa, FLThe failure of the pilot to follow procedures and directives established by the operator for his failure to fuel the airplane after landing following the first leg. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.…Aug 19, 1999 · N640AJ · DestroyedNTSB DEN99LA146Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Aspen, COThe pilot's inadequate in flight planning. Factors were the high density altitude, the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the sign post that the right wing impacted.Aug 16, 1999 · N991RC · DestroyedNTSB DEN99LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Englewood, COThe flight instructor allowed the rotor rpm to decay during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.Mar 25, 1999 · N8354Z · Substantial damageNTSB DEN99LA055Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310L · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot's exceeding the airplane's weight and balance limitations. A factor was the high density altitude weather condition.Mar 14, 1999 · N2230F · Substantial damageNTSB CHI99IA096Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna T210R · Tinley Park, ILthe improper installation of the pressure oil line 'B' nut by maintenance personnel. Contributing to the incident were the loose pressure oil line 'B' nut and separation of the propeller from the aircraft.Feb 20, 1999 · N7687U · Minor damageNTSB FTW99LA017Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Scott, ARThe disengagement of the crankshaft gear due to the maintenance personnel not installing the gear lockplate at the last engine overhaul, resulting in the loosening of the gear retaining bolt, and the subsequent fracture of the gear alignment dowel. A factor…Oct 29, 1998 · N9956U · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA347Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hayes, LAThe forced landing for undetermined reasons. A factor was no suitable terrain for the forced landing.Aug 9, 1998 · N69269 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA357Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Belen, NMThe pilot's improper preflight in that he failed to drain the water from the fuel sumps. Factors were water contamination in the fuel tank and a sand bar.Aug 7, 1998 · N60564 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI98LA303Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCook Teenie TWO · Stevensville, MIThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.Jul 18, 1998 · N40512 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX98LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Hyampom, CAInadequate annual inspection that resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to a missing bolt, nut, and cotter pin from the throttle/carburetor assembly.Jul 12, 1998 · N6248R · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98FA157Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna T207A · Monument Valley, UTThe engine's total power loss due to the induction air ducting separating because of inadequate maintenance by company personnel. Factors were the failure of the manufacturer to provide non-standard operating procedures in their airplane's information manual,…Mar 24, 1998 · N73780 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA154Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Tulsa, OKThe complete loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Mar 22, 1998 · N9940L · Substantial damageNTSB NYC98LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportZwart KIT FOX Vixen · Weyers Cave, VAThe failure of the propeller drive train after the pilot/builder installed an improper drive belt.Feb 22, 1998 · N955F · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA081Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Grants, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to secure the right engine oil cap, resulting in oil exhaustion and the loss of engine…Dec 30, 1997 · N87358 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Gallup, NMfailure of the ground crewman to follow proper procedures. A factor relating to the accident was: the passenger failed to follow the pilot's verbal instructions.Dec 6, 1997 · N1063V · No damageNTSB MIA97LA096Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Huntsville, ALTotal loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion for undetermined reasons.Mar 4, 1997 · N3392Y · Substantial damageNTSB MIA97LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet Blanik L-13 · Mulberry, FLThe pilot's failure to check that the spoiler handle was locked in the retracted position prior to takeoff.Dec 22, 1996 · N48052 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX96LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G102 · Mesquite, NVimproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his being forced to land in an area with unsuitable terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of available (thermal) lift, downdraft(s), and the resultant lack of suitable…Jun 16, 1996 · N154SS · DestroyedNTSB FTW96FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Katy, TXa loss of control due to pilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons. A factor related to the pilot's injuries was the lack of shoulder harness restraint.Feb 20, 1996 · N2TC · Substantial damageNTSB NYC96LA029Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8-KCAB · Sheffield, MAthe pilot's inadequate preflight and improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power, due to an inadequate supply of fuel.Nov 26, 1995 · N53835 · DestroyedNTSB MIA96LA006Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Eastman, GAThe failure of the pilot-in-command to perform fuel consumption calculations, and the decision not to refuel. Contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion, and the pilot- in-command's decision to operate the airplane with the fuel gauges inoperative.Oct 14, 1995 · N33LU · DestroyedNTSB CHI95LA104Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Ann Arbor, MIthe failure of the mechanic to close the drain valve after changing oil, resulting in complete loss of engine oil. A factor was the soft terrain, which resulted in the nose wheel digging in and the airplane nosing over.Mar 19, 1995 · N4385M · Substantial damageNTSB LAX94FA372Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Genoa, NVThe pilot/operator's operation of the helicopter with a disconnected throttle on the right collective; the FAA inspector's inadequate preflight/pretakeoff checks of the flight control/throttle systems; and the pilot/operator's failure to adequately inform the…Sep 22, 1994 · N58352 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX94LA380Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSinger Kitfox IV · Apple Valley, CAfuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel prior to departure, and his inaccurate en route fuel consumption calculations.Sep 12, 1994 · N93CM · Substantial damageNTSB ANC94FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors in the accident were the fog, and the pilot becoming lost/disoriented.Aug 16, 1994 · N5198A · DestroyedNTSB FTW94MA236Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350B · Kalaupapa, HIThe pilot's failure to properly monitor power required versus power available to maintain rotor revolutions per minute (RPM), resulting in rotor RPM decay and a forced landing. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's change of the tour route without…Jul 15, 1994 · N350MH · Substantial damageNTSB LAX94FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Santa Monica, CAfuel starvation resulting from the failure of the pilot to select a tank containing fuel, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.Apr 20, 1994 · N8171G · DestroyedNTSB ANC93LA181Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Iliamna, AKTotal loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot's improper fuel consumption calculations. Factor was the unsuitable terrain.Sep 19, 1993 · N3680M · Substantial damageNTSB BFO93LA122Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchultz/Bowers FLY Baby 1A · Conneaut, OHOperational failure of the left magneto's high tension wiring due to grease/corrosion, which resulted in a progressive power loss and subsequent forced landing.Jul 12, 1993 · N4295X · Destroyed